Major repair work to start on bridge

PUBLISHED: 14:29 21 February 2008 | UPDATED: 06:56 30 May 2010

CHURCH End Bridge will undergo major repair work by Essex County Council after successful lobbying from residents. Under the guise of The Dunmow Society people from all over Great Dunmow have managed to secure building works for the ailing bridge. Work wi

CHURCH End Bridge will undergo major repair work by Essex County Council after successful lobbying from residents.

Under the guise of The Dunmow Society people from all over Great Dunmow have managed to secure building works for the ailing bridge.

Work will begin at the end of March when traffic lights will be installed to moderate traffic across the River Chelmer crossing to just one lane.

Chairman of the Dunmow Society Mike Foster said: "The bridge is very narrow and we are actively encouraging large vans and lorries to use other routes while work is carried out. We are contact with Essex County Council about possible diversions."

The work to the bridge will be carried out in two phases, phase one will be a resurfacing and repairing of the road to stop water getting through.

Mr Foster said: "The bridge has fallen into complete disrepair as a result of water leaking through and eroding important parts of it so phase one is a crucial starting point for this project."

Phase two will arrive at the start of summer when it is hoped that weather will improve sufficiently for the bridges piers, which have been severely eroded, to be completely rebuilt.

Painting work for the whole area will begin after the refit but a timescale for all the work to be completed has not yet been announced.

Mr Foster said: "The railings connecting the bridge to the road will be re-installed and the footpath for pedestrians will also be re-surfaced making it a safer place as well as a far more attractive area.

"We are trying to get a timescale for Essex to commit to, but the work could uncover more problems as it goes on."

An Essex County Council spokesman said: "Phase one, the road surfacing work, will be started and completed at the end of March.

"Phase two will start in the summer in agreement with the Environment Agency.

* WHAT?do you think? Let us know your thoughts about the work by e-mailing us at editor@dunmowbroadcast.co.uk